Texas Border Business
MCALLEN, TEXAS– South Texas College Dual Credit Programs administrators spent the early months of 2021 offering gratitude to school districts for their commitment and valued partnerships.
In May 2020, Dual Credit Programs became accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), a historical milestone for the college and a first in Texas.
NACEP is the sole national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment partnerships and represents best practices of educational partnerships as well as a guarantee that an institution has met the rigorous national standards.
As one of the largest Dual Credit Programs in the state of Texas, South Texas College administrators said it was imperative to take the time to recognize their school district partnerships that have established dual credit as a model across the nation with innovative practices, course delivery, and numerous commendations from regional granting bodies.
As thanks, Dual Credit Programs administrators personally delivered gift boxes to each of its partnering districts in January. STC Board of Trustees, along with STC Interim President, Dr. David Plummer, and Dual Credit Programs administrators presented at school district board meetings throughout the months of January and February.
“We had the opportunity to attend many of our school district partners board meetings (in-person and virtual) to personally thank them for their partnership, dedication, and commitment to offering dual credit courses at their high school sites,” said Dr. Rebecca De Leon, STC Dean for Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships.
Following the visits with partnering school districts, De Leon was on hand to convey the Dual Credit Programs “Bridging Student Success” presentation to STC’s Education and Workforce Development Committee last month.
The presentation served as a broad overview of the Dual Credit Programs as well as the college’s commitment to maintaining program quality, student support, professional development, as well as recognitions at the state and national level.
“These programs are fundamental to the quality of ongoing efforts to develop a broad college-going culture in Hidalgo and Starr Counties,” said STC Trustee Victoria Cantu, who along with Trustee Danny Guzman were among those who attended the school district board meetings.
The venue was also a chance to inform the community that Dual Credit Programs presents an incredible opportunity for interested students to enroll in academic or technical college courses that provide a jumpstart to a college degree while in high school.
The Dual Credit Programs offers four options for high school students to earn college credit hours and/or a college credential. Since the inception of Dual Credit Programs in 2000, South Texas College has served over 115,000 dual credit students tuition-free, and has awarded over 11,000 certificates and/or associate degrees.
“STC provides dual credit students with access to all college resources and services, free of cost,” De Leon said. “The Dual Credit Programs staff is instrumental in advising students by utilizing degree audit tools to assist in successfully navigating their degree plan, addressing transferability concerns, and providing any necessary support for student success.”
Dual Credit Programs collaborates with over 21 school districts and 70 high school partners across Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
“As a long-time educator…I am pleased to hear that South Texas College is working hand-in-hand with districts to enhance our dual enrollment programs,” said Mercedes ISD Superintendent of Schools, Carolyn Ann Mendiola.
“In my meeting with Dr. (Rebecca) De Leon, she shared with me that STC will be considering changes to how grades are issued to high school students who are enrolled in dual credit courses,” Mendiola said. “The change which is being considered will allow professors to issue numerical grades to dual enrollment students at the mid-term and at the final. This will be of great benefit to our high school students who strive to maintain high GPAs and will ensure equity when ranking our students. We are pleased to continue this collaboration between Mercedes ISD and STC to ensure academic success for all students.”
